The laptop I've been using (an old pentium compaq), tends to flip out when I use it in sub-freezing temperatures. The screen is also unreadable when it's hot outside (> 90F).

As someone does does IT for a living, I fully undestand the complications with using a computer outside of the recommended temperature range. But, I'm curious what experiences people have had... and if there are any laptops that can handle the extremes better than others.

Thanks!

 

Panasonic Toughbook...

nuf said... it's the **** of laptops for the fully endowed model. Just expensive as *****!

 

My ancient Fujitsu Stylistic 3400 has never complained about being left in extreme heat, nor rained on. It's mounted to a post in front of the dash, so it gets full direct sunlight when it's parked outside during the day. Even if the car has been parked outside with the top and windows up all day, it still boots right up. And yes, it has gotten moderately wet. Didn't even mop it off with a towel, just power on and go.

The screen does get pretty dim when it's really cold (45°F or so), but it has never failed completely, even when it was so cold that the LCD display on my radio wouldn't come on.

 

We've got a few at work that our field guys use for surveying. They weigh as much as they cost, but you can run over them with a truck.

Frank

 

Yeah, we also sell them with some of our "law enforcement" gear and man.... they are tough little machines. Makes me laugh when I see people baby their little apple toys / netbooks at the coffee shops. We just come and literally toss our toughbooks on the table... pull up the antenna... and boot up. The expressions sometimes are priceless. Tho, when they understand we're testing our integrated parts; people get more of a kick after seeing that we are not just some little snotty bastards toting an expensive notebook for the fun of it.

Cheers,
Prospero

 

I've had a couple of company supplied cheap Dells that have given me no trouble for years in my truck in the Florida summer heat. Interior temps are over 140 easy when it's been closed up in the sun, but it boots fine and the screen is flawless. I have also had them freeze a couple of times. They still booted and ran. They are nothing special. The current one is an Inspiron 6000, which is kinda wide, but my last one was normal aspect ratio and I liked it being a little smaller. Nothing special, but they always fire up and work.
Look here on this page if you want one for under $300 to keep in your car: PRICEWATCH :: Price Comparison Shopping Tool - Page 1116
There are some mini notebooks on the next page after that one for around three bills.

 

I'm telling you guys, from considerable personal experience, that when it comes to a tuning laptop, small form factor > everything. EeePC 900s have gotten ludicrously cheap, as have some of the other machines in the 9" class. I just can't see why anything else would even be considered.

 

My personal machine is an eeepc 1000He, blue

It is perfect since it's small and stable... plus long as battery life! LED backlights like the cold weather better than the cold cathode stuff as well.

Cheers,
Prospero